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BISD adopts 2025-26 student code of conduct with legislative-driven discipline changes
Summary
Trustees adopted the 2025-26 student code of conduct incorporating legislative changes: a ban on personal communication devices during instruction (medical exemptions allowed), teacher-initiated removal after a single significant incident, ISS extended up to 10 days per offense, OSS still capped at 3 days, and added language allowing expulsion for false alarm/bomb threats and certain off-campus felonies.
The Bastrop ISD Board on Thursday adopted the district’s 2025-26 student code of conduct to align with changes from the recent legislative session.
Dr. Morris, director of student services, told trustees the updated code includes five primary revisions tied to state law. The handbook now prohibits personal communication devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, from being used during the instructional day unless a student has an approved medical exemption. The code adds language permitting a teacher to initiate a formal removal of a student based on a single significant incident of unruly, disruptive or abusive conduct or for bullying as defined in Education Code 37.0832 (as cited).
In-school suspension (ISS) limits have changed: students may now be assigned up to 10 days per offense, and principals may extend ISS upon review (the district must ensure students receive comparable academic and behavioral services while assigned to ISS). Out-of-school suspension (OSS) remains capped at three days per offense. Dr. Morris also noted added language—cited as the result of the recent legislative session—to permit expulsion for engaging in false alarms or bomb/terroristic threats involving a public school, and for certain Title 5 felonies committed off campus even if not within 300 feet of district property.
Trustees asked how a student returns to class if a teacher refuses readmittance after a removal. Dr. Morris described a required return-to-class plan: a committee of teachers and administrators reviews alternative settings, the plan is completed by an administrator and must be in place on the day the student returns; the student may not be kept out of the original classroom for more than three school days before a plan implementation. The board approved the code by a voice vote.
The adopted changes reflect statutory updates and include operational steps for return-to-class procedures and supports the district will use when students are removed from class.
